2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$30,100 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Honda CR-V bursts onto the scene as the pragmatic champion, distinguished by its accessible starting price of $30,100 and respectable 30 combined MPG. It offers a straightforward, efficient drive with 190 hp, perfect for daily duty. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid captivates with brute strength, boasting 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque—a significant 71 hp advantage over the Honda. While the Kia demands a premium MSRP of $48,290, it provides a versatile AWD platform and the crucial 30 miles of all-electric range. The CR-V provides a much larger cargo hold at 39.3 cu ft compared to the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft, illustrating the fundamental trade-off: affordability and utility versus electrifying power and advanced drivetrain technology.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda CR-V

The CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy at 30 combined MPG and its lower overall cost of ownership.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V offers substantially more utility with nearly three times the cargo capacity at 39.3 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is the clear enthusiast choice, delivering a massive 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, far surpassing the CR-V's 190 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda CR-V

The CR-V offers immediate value being $18,190 cheaper and delivering reliable transportation without the PHEV premium.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

You prioritize maximizing cargo space, as the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
Keeping the purchase price low is critical, with the CR-V starting at only $30,100.
You primarily drive in conditions where maximum power output is less important than consistent 30 MPG efficiency.

Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...

You desire spirited driving dynamics backed by 261 horsepower and all-wheel drive capability.
Your daily routine allows you to leverage the 30 miles of electric range before engaging the gas engine.
You appreciate modern engineering, utilizing a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission instead of a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	184.8"	189.6"
Width	73.5"	74.8"
Height	66.2"	66.9"
Wheelbase	106.3"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Kia
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	261 hp
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	258 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/34 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/476.0 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	12.4 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	77/71 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	74 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	30 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	45
Charging Time (240V)	—	3.4 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Kia
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.2 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.0 in.	40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Kia
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the total price difference between the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV?

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV commands a significantly higher starting MSRP of $48,290 compared to the 2025 Honda CR-V's $30,100. This results in an upfront price disparity of $18,190 between the two vehicles.

How does the power output compare between these two crossovers?

The Kia Sorento PHEV is significantly more potent, producing 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This easily outpaces the Honda CR-V, which generates 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, giving the Kia a 71 hp advantage.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for long highway commutes?

For pure fuel conservation, the Honda CR-V slightly edges out the Kia in maximum highway MPG, achieving 34 MPG highway versus the Sorento's also excellent 34 MPG highway rating (though the CR-V's combined rating is 30 MPG versus the Sorento's 33 MPG combined when factoring in the PHEV system).

Is the Kia Sorento PHEV practical for hauling large items compared to the CR-V?

No, the Honda CR-V is far more accommodating for cargo, offering 39.3 cubic feet of space. The Kia Sorento PHEV sacrifices significant storage for its battery components, providing only 12.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

What is the main benefit of the Kia’s plug-in hybrid system over the CR-V’s standard hybrid?

The Kia Sorento offers a dedicated 30 miles of electric-only driving range, allowing short commutes to be completed without using any gasoline whatsoever. The CR-V, while efficient, does not have this pure EV capability.

Are there significant differences in drivetrains and handling expected between the two?

Yes, the CR-V uses a FWD setup with a CVT, optimized for smoothness and efficiency. In contrast, the Sorento features standard AWD and a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting a more engaging and capable driving feel when performance is demanded.